ISU vs. Oakland City University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Oakland City University in Oakland City, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Oakland City University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Oakland City University is in Oakland City, IN (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Oakland City University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Oakland City University 13:1.

ISU vs. Oakland City University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Oakland City University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Oakland City University than ISU ($16,437 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland City University are 1.3% lower than at Illinois State University ($11,600 vs. $11,754).
• Oakland City University is 72.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $11,756 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at ISU than at Oakland City University (about $310 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oakland City University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oakland City University students is 100.9% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($26,067 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Oakland City University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Oakland City University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Oakland City University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is 100 points higher than at Oakland City University (1000).
• Incoming ISU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Oakland City University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Oakland City University 850/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Oakland City University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Oakland City University - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Oakland City University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Oakland City University (3.29).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Oakland City University (82.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 32.5% at Oakland City University.

ISU vs. Oakland City University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Oakland City University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Oakland City University's (64%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Oakland City University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $36,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have a $1,800 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($20,200 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($208 vs. $227).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oakland City University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 58%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.